By Andi Anderson
Iowa grain producers and agricultural professionals will have an opportunity to gain valuable harvest-season knowledge through the 2026 Iowa Grain Harvest Webinar. Organized by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering team, the event is scheduled for September 21, 2026, at noon and will focus on topics that directly impact harvest success and farm profitability.
The webinar is designed for grain growers and anyone interested in Iowa’s fall harvest season. Participants will receive practical information on grain quality, harvest equipment management, field losses, and grain storage practices. These topics are especially important during harvest, when management decisions can significantly influence the value and quality of stored grain.
One of the major discussion areas will be grain quality concerns and potential challenges facing producers as harvest approaches. Understanding grain condition and quality is essential for maintaining market value and ensuring successful storage. Experts will discuss common issues that may develop during harvest and provide guidance on managing them effectively.
According to Tony Mensing, Field Agricultural Engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach, harvest season brings several important challenges for growers. He said, “Harvest comes with challenges related to grain quality, harvest equipment and short-and-long-term storage. This webinar will feature experts from the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative and the Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex providing commentary and sharing insight on grain harvest 2026.”
The program will feature presentations from leading experts in grain science and agricultural engineering. Gretchen Mosher, Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University and Leader of the Grain Testing Laboratory, will discuss grain quality issues and potential concerns that producers may encounter during harvest.
Participants will also hear from Dirk Maier, Director of the Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, who will provide information on the science of grain storage. His presentation will focus on effective storage management practices that help maintain grain quality and reduce the risk of loss after harvest.
In addition, Tony Mensing will discuss harvest losses and equipment setup. Proper adjustment and operation of harvesting equipment can reduce grain losses in the field and improve overall harvesting efficiency. Even small improvements in equipment performance can have a positive impact on farm income.
The webinar will highlight how harvest management decisions affect not only growers but also the entire grain value chain. By understanding potential challenges and applying proven management practices, producers can maximize the value of their crops and protect grain quality throughout the harvest and storage process.
Participation in the webinar is free of charge, making it accessible to a wide range of producers and agricultural stakeholders. However, online registration is required for attendance.
Through expert presentations and timely discussions, the 2026 Iowa Grain Harvest Webinar aims to equip producers with the knowledge needed to navigate harvest challenges, reduce losses, improve storage outcomes, and achieve greater success during the fall harvest season.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Harvesting